How Does Anne Boleyn Relate To The Royal Family?

4.5 rating based on 66 ratings

Anne Boleyn, the Queen Consort of Henry VIII, was born in Norfolk at the Boleyn home at Blickling. Her family lineage is traced back to the Howard family, who were related to King George I, a direct descendant of Catherine Carey, daughter of Mary Boleyn. Anne’s mother was Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey and the 2nd Duke of Norfolk from 1514. Anne was educated in the Netherlands and France, primarily as a maid.

Anne Boleyn’s direct bloodline ended with the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. However, another branch of the Boleyn family line lives on. Anne’s sister, Mary Boleyn, gave birth to Diana, Princess of Wales, and King Charles III. The Boleyn family were related to one of England’s kings, but they are not directly related. Anne Boleyn had no living descendants as her only child, Elizabeth I, died without issue.

The modern Anne Boleyn was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, as the second wife of King Henry VIII. The circumstances of her marriage and execution, by beheading for treason and other charges, made her a key figure in the political and religious upheaval that marked the start of the reign. Anne Boleyn is related to Queen Elizabeth II through her sister, Mary Boleyn, who is the 12 great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II.

Anne Boleyn was born around 1501 in Blickling, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom. She had an elder sister, Mary Boleyn, and a brother, Anne. Anne was the daughter of Thomas Boleyn, later Earl of Wiltshire and Earl of Ormond, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Howard. Anne Boleyn’s family lineage continues to influence the royal family and the monarchy.

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
Boleyn familyThey reached the peak of their influence during the Tudor period, when Anne Boleyn became the second wife and queen consort of Henry VIII, their daughter being …en.wikipedia.org
Was Anne Boleyn really a commoner with no royal …Anne Boleyn was part of the Howard family via her mother, Elizabeth Howard: eldest daughter of Thomas Howard, the second Duke of Norfolk.reddit.com
If Anne Boleyn is in my family tree, should I be royalty? …Anne Boleyn was niece to the powerful 3rd Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard and daughter to Thomas Boleyn and Lady Elizabeth Howard – sister to the …quora.com

📹 Mary Boleyn’s links to the Queen and Prince William and Prince Harry

Historian Claire Ridgway, who has written several books on the Boleyns, is often asked about Mary Boleyn’s links to the present …


What Happened To The Boleyn Family In 1536
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Happened To The Boleyn Family In 1536?

The events of 1536 significantly altered the fortunes of the Boleyn family, culminating in their tragic downfall. That year marked the execution of Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth's mother and the first English queen to be executed. Accused of adultery and treason, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Anne caught the attention of King Henry VIII in the mid-1520s, leading to their marriage in January 1533, despite the annulment of his previous marriage occurring five months later.

The lack of a male heir led to Anne's execution on May 19, 1536. Following her conviction, five members of the Boleyn family, including Anne and her brother George, faced dire consequences, with charges including incest and conspiracy. On May 17, Anne's brother George was executed, followed by her own execution four days later. Their swift fall from grace was orchestrated by Henry and Thomas Cromwell, resulting in the Boleyn family's banishment from court and a significant loss of power.

Thomas Boleyn, their father, suffered greatly, losing his titles and royal favor after the deaths of his children. In a grim sequence, the Boleyn legacy faded following the tragic events of 1536, marked by betrayal and royal intrigue.

Who Was Anne Boleyn Sister
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Who Was Anne Boleyn Sister?

Mary Boleyn (c. 1499 – July 1543), sister of Anne Boleyn, was a significant figure connected to King Henry VIII. Before Anne’s rise as the king's second wife, Mary had an affair with Henry VIII and was considered one of his mistresses around 1520. Their relationship is speculated to have lasted until approximately 1525. This affair may have positioned Anne favorably when she entered the royal court, where both sisters served as ladies-in-waiting to Henry's first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Mary's affiliation with the king contributed to the Boleyn family's considerable influence during the Tudor period. Tragically, their brother, George Boleyn, faced execution for alleged treason and incest alongside Anne, who was also executed on charges of adultery and treason.

Mary Boleyn is notably recognized not only for her royal connections but also as the ancestor of notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother, illustrating the Boleyn family's lasting legacy. Despite her prominence, Mary’s story is often overshadowed by Anne’s infamous tale as Queen of England. Following Anne's execution, records suggest that Henry granted Mary a monetary gift, possibly as an extension of his goodwill toward the Boleyn family. Thus, both sisters' lives were intricately intertwined with royal affairs and the tumultuous history of the Tudor dynasty.

Is Kate Middleton Related To Princess Diana
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Kate Middleton Related To Princess Diana?

On Wednesday, the current Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, honored her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, during the Shaping Us National Symposium in London, which focused on early childhood and the role of parents. Despite the dramatization in "The Crown" suggesting a meeting between Kate and Diana, the truth is that Kate never had the opportunity to meet her before Diana's passing in 1997. A royal author noted their shared qualities, highlighting Kate's embodiment of Diana's popularity and empathy.

Both women have worn pieces of Diana's jewelry, including the iconic engagement ring, though Kate notably wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara in tribute to her. Diana's legacy remains influential, even after 25 years; Kate continues to evoke her memory through her style and actions. As Kate clarified in an April 2023 event, the relationship between her and Diana is non-existent due to the temporal gap. Charles Spencer, Diana's brother, has publicly praised Middleton, acknowledging her own health journey and resilience within the royal family dynamics.

Do Any Of Anne Boleyn'S Belongings Still Exist
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do Any Of Anne Boleyn'S Belongings Still Exist?

A few belongings of Anne Boleyn still exist today, notable among them being the Boleyn cup, created for her in 1535, shortly before her execution, and a silver-gilt clock gifted by King Henry VIII. The exact provenance of the clock is unclear and it previously belonged to the Wykeham Martin family, who owned the castle in the 19th century. It features a Victorian lining and a label stating its connection to Anne Boleyn. Other items attributed to her include the Books of Hours, a bedhead at Hever Castle, a letter from 1514, and various disputed letters.

While clothing worn by Anne Boleyn is largely unconfirmed to exist today, her Book of Hours is on display at Hever Castle, and some artifacts bearing her initials and emblems can still be found, although many are later reproductions.

Anne Boleyn's tragic fate unfolded quickly in May 1536 with her arrest, trial, and execution within a span of weeks. Despite her unfortunate end, she left behind a few personal items and her most significant legacy—her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. Speculation surrounds her iconic B necklace, questioning whether Elizabeth I inherited it or if it may have been incorporated into the crown jewels. While many personal items are unlikely to be definitively confirmed as hers, the remnants of her life and legacy continue to intrigue historians and admirers alike.

Who Was Anne Boleyn
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Who Was Anne Boleyn?

The Boleyn family was a significant English gentry and aristocracy line, peaking during the Tudor period when Anne Boleyn became the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. Anne's marriage to Henry followed the annulment of his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, a decision that led to Henry's break from the Roman Catholic Church. Serving as queen from 1533 to 1536, Anne was pivotal in the English Reformation, yet her reign was marred by controversy.

Accused of incest, witchcraft, and adultery, she was executed on May 19, 1536. Despite her concise rule, often referred to as "Anne of a Thousand Days," her legacy endured, captivating many through history. Born circa 1501, Anne spent her youth in France before becoming enmeshed in the royal court of England. The story of her rise and fall highlights themes of ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities of courtly life.

Anne's execution stemmed partly from her inability to provide a male heir and from growing unpopularity among the people. As the most famous of Henry VIII's six wives, she remains a figure of intrigue, with ongoing debates about whether she was a traitor or a victim of political conspiracies.

Does The Tudor Bloodline Still Exist
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does The Tudor Bloodline Still Exist?

Henry VIII has no living descendants, as none of his three legitimate children had heirs. The Tudor dynasty, originating from Welsh nobility and Catherine of Valois, ruled England from 1485 until 1603, concluding with his daughter Elizabeth I. This lineage included five monarchs: Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, all of whom failed to produce heirs, effectively ending the direct line of the Tudors. Henry VII, who laid the dynasty's foundation, had six children; however, only Arthur predeceased him.

The Tudors rose to power amidst the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, asserting their claim to the throne based on noble lineage. While today, numerous individuals with the surname Tudor exist, including those born post-1837 in civil registration, they often claim no direct descent from the royal line. Following the death of Elizabeth I, the throne transitioned to the Stuart dynasty, marking a new chapter in English monarchy.

Some families assert descent from the Tudors through less direct lines, but these claims require historical validation. The Tudor narrative is rich with intrigue, upheaval, and complex inheritances, illustrating its significant role in shaping English history and monarchy's evolution.

Is Catherine Middleton Related To Anne Boleyn
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Catherine Middleton Related To Anne Boleyn?

Elizabeth Knollys, a direct ancestor of Kate Middleton, is notable for being the great-niece of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, and likely the illegitimate granddaughter of Henry himself. Prior to marrying Anne, Henry had a four-year affair with Mary Boleyn, her older sister, resulting in Mary giving birth to two children, Catherine in 1524 and Henry in 1526. Interestingly, Kate Middleton is distantly linked to Mary Boleyn, highlighting a historical connection that spans generations.

In 2011, Prince William married Kate, and they have three children: George (b. 2013), Charlotte (b. 2015), and Louis (b. 2018). This connection to the Boleyn family is significant, as it links Kate to the royal lineage through Mary Boleyn, thus intertwining her ancestry with that of English royalty. Historically, the Boleyn sisters were further connected through their mother, who was a Howard. While there is debate among historians about the legitimacy of these familial ties, Kate’s lineage indeed ties back to Mary Boleyn, establishing her as a descendant of the infamous Boleyn sisters.

What Is The Anne Boleyn Family Tree
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Is The Anne Boleyn Family Tree?

The Anne Boleyn Family Tree explores the lineage of Anne Boleyn, Queen Consort to Henry VIII from 1533 to 1536. Born around 1501 in Blickling Hall, Norfolk, or Hever Castle, Kent, she was the daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn and Lady Elizabeth Howard. The article outlines her early life, marriage to Henry VIII, and her significance within the Boleyn family, tracing genealogy through historical records. Anne Boleyn had an elder sister, Mary Boleyn, who was King Henry VIII's mistress before Anne.

The tree includes notable ancestors and descendants, connecting Anne to modern figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. The family tree of Anne Boleyn features George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford, and emphasizes the Boleyns' suspected origins in France. Boleyn's early education took place in the Netherlands and France. The article offers insights into the Boleyn family's historical context, including Anne's family dynamics, her relationships with her siblings, and the impact of her legacy on subsequent generations.

Where Did Anne Boleyn Grow Up
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Where Did Anne Boleyn Grow Up?

Anne Boleyn, believed to have been born around 1501, likely at Blickling Hall in Norfolk, was raised in a noble family at Hever Castle in Kent. The daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn, who would later become the Earl of Wiltshire, and Elizabeth Howard, she grew up alongside her siblings, George and Mary. Her family's connections included strong ties to English nobility, as her mother was the daughter of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk.

In 1513, Anne was sent to serve at the court of Margaret, Archduchess of Austria, which began her life at royal courts. By 1522, she returned to England and became a maid of honor to Queen Claude of France, where she caught the attention of King Henry VIII. Anne’s marriage to Henry led to a significant religious upheaval, resulting in England breaking from the Roman Catholic Church when Henry sought to annul his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Despite her noble lineage and a promising future, Anne Boleyn met a tragic end; she was executed for treason in 1536. Her legacy endures largely through her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, making Anne one of the most historically significant figures in British history. The exact date of her birth remains uncertain, but her impact is indelible.

Is The Current Queen Elizabeth A Descendant Of Anne Boleyn
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is The Current Queen Elizabeth A Descendant Of Anne Boleyn?

Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn, serves as the 12th great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. While Anne became the Queen Consort of Henry VIII and gave birth to Queen Elizabeth I, there is no direct lineage from Anne to Elizabeth II, as Elizabeth I had no children. Nevertheless, Queen Elizabeth II is related to Mary Boleyn through shared ancestry. Mary Boleyn was a notable historical figure and the mother of Catherine Carey, who was a lady-in-waiting to her aunt Anne.

Queen Elizabeth II, as a direct descendant of the Tudor dynasty, is indeed a 12th great-granddaughter of Mary Boleyn, often referred to derogatorily as "the infamous whore." According to genealogical sources, Queen Elizabeth II is also the 13th cousin once removed to Mary Boleyn, sharing a common ancestor several generations back. The lineage demonstrates a remarkable connection, as the current royal family traces its roots back to both Mary Boleyn and her sister Anne.

Additionally, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales, further illustrate this royal connection. The Boleyn legacy continues through Queen Elizabeth II and her children, ensuring that the historical impact of this lineage remains significant in British royal history.

How Is Kate Middleton Related To The Tudors
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Is Kate Middleton Related To The Tudors?

Mary Boleyn allegedly had two children with Henry VIII: Catherine (1524) and Henry (1526). Catherine is noted as an ancestor of Kate Middleton, though claims of a direct link between Kate and Mary Boleyn lack evidence. Research suggests that Henry VIII could be Kate's distant ancestor. Kate Middleton's marriage to Prince William in 2011 has brought renewed focus on her family's ties to British aristocracy, despite her lack of royal blood. The Middleton family, including her parents Michael and Carole and siblings Pippa and James, has a background that mixes common origins with noble connections.

Kate is also traced back to Sir Thomas Leighton and his wife, Elizabeth Knollys, who share lineage with Prince William's family, including a shared ancestor in King Edward III. There is speculation about royal lineage, with declarations that Kate is related to the Tudors being marked as unsubstantiated. Despite this, she is distantly linked to historical figures of the Tudor era through her ancestry. With Catherine being a known descendent of Mary Boleyn, Kate’s family history ties back through Elizabeth Knollys.

This fascinating exploration reveals a blend of working-class roots and connections to historical figures, showcasing the complex familial ties that link contemporary royalty to the past. As the granddaughter of coal miners, Kate's ascent to royal status reflects significant societal shifts since her marriage to William, the future king, a role she assumed as Duchess of Cambridge.

Is Queen Elizabeth Related To Anne Boleyn
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Queen Elizabeth Related To Anne Boleyn?

Elizabeth I, the final Tudor monarch, was born on September 7, 1533, in Greenwich as the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II is descended from Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister. The lineage traces from Mary Boleyn (d. 1543) who married William, making Queen Elizabeth II a descendant of both Henry VIII's sister Mary Tudor and his mistress Mary Boleyn. Although Anne failed to produce a male heir, she remains a pivotal figure as the mother of Elizabeth I, who ascended the throne on November 17, 1558, following the deaths of her siblings Edward VI and Mary I.

Elizabeth I earned the nickname "the Virgin Queen" as she never married. Importantly, while both queens share a familial link, there is no direct descent from Anne to Elizabeth II, as Elizabeth I had no children. However, the lineage through Mary Boleyn highlights the interconnectedness of these royal figures. Elizabeth's funeral procession included Boleyn coat arms, celebrating her heritage. Historically, Mary Boleyn is acknowledged as the 12th great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, with Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon linking them further.


📹 Dramatic Facts About The Life of Anne Boleyn

You’ve likely heard tales of Anne Boleyn, the alluring woman who convinced King Henry VIII of England to give up his wife and …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

About me

37 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Isn’t it interesting that Mary, the Boleyn who was overlooked at the time turned out to be the individual who has had such an enormous, famous and diverse posterity? She wasn’t the queen or a member of the king’s inner circle although she was Henry’s mistress, but that didn’t carry the same kind of prestige as queen, member of the the king’s privy chamber or member of the king’s privy council (dad and Uncle Norfolk). She further kept herself out of the whole court and family scene by marrying a poor knight who was beneath her socially but whom she loved (not cool in those days of dynastic marriages). What a shame that she died young! I hope that there is a way for her to know that her life was not in vain.

  • My name is John Kerns. Mary Boleyn is my 12th great grandmother, through Henry Carey, Anna Carey, George Cleeves (founder of Portland Maine), Elizabeth Cleeves, Elizabeth Mitten, Isaac Clarke, Matheus Clarke, Mary Clarke, Nathan Hill, Amasa Hill, Loring Hill, Louella Hill, and Mary Elsie Hixson, my mother, who married John Levi Kerns. I enjoy very much your articles about the Boelyns, and have learned a great deal from you. Thank you very much for your expertise and information. 0:22

  • Personally I do find it nice that Boleyn blood was meant to sit on the English throne, but I also find the situation deliciously ironic. Anne Boleyn, the sister who changed history’s line was extinct within decades after her death. Mary Boleyn, the obscurely married sister who was exiled from court’s line holds the most well known monarchy in history. And at the same time, Elisabeth’s throne that she maintained through diligent use of every ounce of every talent she had in her, ended up in the hands of the blood of the she-wolf Lettice, another exile from court, who dared to lay her hands on the love of Elisabeth’s life. I do hope she’s not rolling in her grave.

  • I’m actually a biracial South African-Australian-Brit. My dad is Mark Spencer and through him ( he’s British-Australian) I am descended from Mary Boleyn’s daughter Catherine Carey. Weirdly, through my mostly African mom I am descended from Henry Carey through his granddaughter Elizabeth Carey. Technically my parents are distant cousins through Mary Boleyn.

  • I am related through the Morgan family. I just recently found that out doing my ancestry from my birth mother’s family who are Morgan’s from Tredegar. Thank you so much for confirming that my research is right on track. Please keep up the great YouTube articles, I look forward to them so I can bone up on my newly found ancestry and country history. ❤️

  • Very well done Claire 👍 No easy task to make the family connection over the many generations. I knew the Queen and Diana were descendants but of course didn’t know exactly how. Prince William is not only of Boleyn descent on both sides of the family but also married to a woman of Boleyn descent too, Kate Middleton. This article is very special and can be viewed over and over again as a reminder of the connections. I really liked the old page style rotating animations. I’m guessing we have Tim to thank for that. It made the article even more fascinating and clear.

  • Oh wow!! SOOOOOO INFORMATIVE!! Looks like the Boleyns got the final revenge against Henry – they have many descendants to this day, including our royal family, while he has NO descendants left!! I’ll bet Anne and Mary as well as brother George are doing a jig in the afterlife!! Looking forward to the next article, Claire!! XXXX

  • 🇭🇲🦘 Oh Claire! How absolutely wonderful of you to take the time to inform us all of this Tudor/Boleyn link to not only ‘our’ Queen, Queen Elizabeth II, but also through family lines to the late Princess Diana. … Thus through their Grandmother’s line, as well as their father, Prince Charles’ obvious lines; and also their mother, the late Princess Diana’s lineage; both Princes William and Harry are descended to the Tudors and the Boleyns. How extraordinary! .. Wonderful article! .. Thank you so much Claire” 💕👑👍

  • Claire…You hit this one out of the park! You got a home run!!! I have to go and watch it again. I have question. I do not understand when some says, I’m twice removed. And there are a few more removed. Three time four times. It’s so confusing to me, but I know that you are the best one to help.me understand. And I’m sure that there are other people just like me. Thank you, Claire. ❤️🙏❤️

  • Great article with fascinating history Claire! Whilst my have no links to the Boleyns, mine go back to Sir James Balfour of Pittendreich (my great grandfather x12) who was Elizabeths I nemesis Mary Queen of Scots advisor. He was implicated in the murders of Lord Darnley, Queen Mary’s Husband and also Queen Mary’s closest advisor David Rizzio

  • Claire, loved the walk down Royal genealogy lane! I absolutely loved it. Everyone’s genealogy is important! Now, let me see, I have been involved with my family’s genealogy since 1982. One, I am, what DNA/genetics denotes, a Tri-racial person. Two, I am abt a quarter Scottish…surprised me! Three, I have very old DNA and four, I learned about a year ago that my grandfather’s paternal DNA (mother’s father) goes back to Rameses III, the late great Pharaoh of Egypt. This line traces/document the Y-DNA, which incl Rameses’ father, his grandfather, etc. By the way, I see some Royalty in my maternal line! Okay, you asked and I thought I would share! Enjoy! LOL…

  • This is most informative, though the cynic in me wonders whether there is any ‘alternative’ parentage among the generations due to an affair here or there. I wonder what DNA would show! I do think that Henry VIII would not hesitate to cuckold a close friend. That said, I tend to agree that Mary Boleyn’s son Henry was not the King’s son. I think that the King would have found a way to claim a male child or would have shown him even greater favor than the child received. But Catherine – I could see Henry VIII encouraging a marriage when Mary Boleyn became pregnant or even violating a marriage. It doesn’t worry me that Henry would not claim a female child, given his estimation of women, but I think that Catherine’s daughter is the spitting image of Elizabeth – more like a niece than a cousin??!!

  • Yes, I have Boleyn blood myself. 2 lines found. Mary Boleyn, Katherine Carey, Lady Anne Knollys & Thomas West, following the West’s of Virginia USA through the Harris’s, Moss, Adcock, Harris, me -Baker Another line: Mary Boleyn, Katherine Carey, Anne Knollys, Governor John West of Virginia-original owner of West-point, Virginia in 1600s, Hagood, Painter, Harris, Baker (me)

  • The present queen is also descended from Henry VIII’s other sister, Mary. William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset (pictured), was the son of Edward Seymour, who was the son of Edward Seymour and Katherine Grey, sister of Lady Jane Grey. The elder Edward Seymour was the son of Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, who was Queen Jane Seymour’s brother and the Lord Protector. Katherine Grey was the daughter of Frances Brandon, who was the daughter of Mary Tudor. William Seymour was also originally married to Arabella Stuart, who was the daughter of Charles Stuart, who was the son of Margaret Douglas, who was the daughter of Margaret Tudor. Arabella’s mother was also a Cavendish.

  • My 11th GGM was Margaret Bouchier, aka Lady Margaret Bryan, maternal aunt to Mary and Queen Anne Boleyn. She was also an aunt to Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife. Margaret Bryan had royal Plantagenet bloodlines through her paternal great-grandmother, Anne of Gloucester, who was the granddaughter of King Edward III. She served as Lady governess for Henry Vlll’s children, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Edward Vl. She was also chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. Her son, Sir Francis Bryan, was Henry Vlll’s companion since childhood. He fondly referred to Francis as his “one-eyed Vicar from Hell.” In 1528, Henry sent Bryan to Rome to obtain papal sanction for his divorce from his Queen, Catherine of Aragon in order that he marry Anne Boleyn, which failed.

  • Somewhere I was doing research on the Bolyens and I saw the name Beauchamp. Now this caught my attention as Beauchamp was name of Henry VII’s grandmother. So I did some backward genealogy and sure enough, the Boleyns are related through the Butler line not only to Henry VII, but also the Neville’s during the Wars of the Roses…

  • I have only found out in the last week that I am a descendant of Mary Boleyn who was my gt gt etc grandmother. I am not only related to queen Elizabeth the 1st but also the current queen Elizabeth. This is made even more special as my poppy did not know his mums name. That was until my mum did a dna test a few years ago. We now know she too was an Elizabeth and she is the connection to the Boleyn family. Isn’t technology and science a wonderful thing without it I would not even know about my royal connection. Probably of little interest to anyone else but very very special to me

  • Great article. My connection to the Boleyns is a little further back, but Iam descended from two sisters of Lady Margaret Mowbray, great-great grandmother of Lady Mary Boleyn and Anne Boleyn. My mother is descended from Virginia immigrants Diana Skipwith Dale and Col. Thomas Ligon, both of the English landed gentry. Diana Dale was descended from Elizabeth (Goushill) Wingfield and Thomas Ligon from Lady Isabel (Mowbray) Berkeley, both sisters of Lady Margaret (Mowbray) Howard in the Boleyn lineage.

  • William Carey’s maternal grandmother was born Eleanor Beaufort, one of the great granddaughters of John of Gaunt. I agree with you about the Carey children being fathered by William, so there are thus at least two more blood lines linking John of Gaunt to the present Royal Family in addition to the more obvious ones.

  • So interesting to hear this assessment as well as your comments about descendants. It appears I am a direct descendant of Mary Boleyn through her daughter Catherine. I would doubt this ancestry except for the fact that I am a member of a genealogical organization and have had several DNA tests done which appear to validate my family tree. I am also related to William Shakespeare, who may have well written about one of my ancestors, Stephen Hopkins, of the Jamestown settlement and later, Plimoth Plantation. Life is strange …

  • I have just reached Mary Boleyn in my family tree as my 17th great grandmother through her son Henry Carey, his daughter Katherine Carey (Morgan), her daughter Elizabeth Stewart, her daughter Frances Southwell, her daughter Elizabeth Rodney her daughter Margaret Ball, her daughter Eliza Hopkins, her son Nehemiah Bird, his son Joshua Bird, his son William Bird, his son William Bird, his daughter Mary Bird Convict to Tasmania Her son Henry Chugg, his son John Henry Chugg His daughter Constance Burn, her daughter Constance Ellis, her daughter Nargaret Blake, her daughter Rebecca Banham, And I am Rebecca and Phillip Banham’s daughter still living in Tasmania, Australia.

  • This is the entire Line if how Mary Boleyn is related to Queen Elizabeth II Mary Boleyn 1499-1543 Catherine Carey 1524-1569 Lettice Knollys 1543-1634 Robert Deveruex, 2nd Earl of Essex 1565-1601 Frances Seymour, Duchess of Somerset 1599-1674 Lady Jane Seymour 1637-1679 Charles Boyle, 2nd Earl of Burlington 1669-1704 Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington 1694-1753 Charlotte Cavendish, Marchioness of Harrington 1731-1754 Dorothy Bentink, Duchess of Portland 1750-1794 Lord Charles Bentink 1780-1826 Charles Cavendish-Bentink 1817-1865 Cecilia Bowes- Lyon, Countess of Swarthmore and Kinghorne 1862-1938 Elizabeth Angelina Margarita Bowes-lyon 1900-2002 Queen Elizabeth II 1926-living TYSM Clarie

  • My husband is 100 percent Italian. When he did dna test, he matches one of the 12 knights of Glamorgan wales. St. Bridget church was the seat of the Butler family. We think one of those norman knights went off to Navarre Spain in the reconquista and he ended up in Italy with charles of anjou. Piers Butler Boleyn cousin has very distant cousins all over likely still in Spain and Normandy..

  • We have been told that we were related to Lady Jane Grey. I took a DNA test which resulted in determining my Haplo group of R, and that I share a common ancestor with Princess Diana. My father’s family always claimed a specific castle (with my father’s name) belonged to my ancestors. What I need is a good Genealogist in the UK who can access records in Lancashire, where my great great grandfather lived. Any ideas or recommendations?

  • I have Boleyn’s, but it is a generation or two before the famous Boleyn’s. Geoffrey Boleyn, Lord Mayor of London, and the famous Anne had an aunt before her named Anne Boleyn who appears to be in my line of great grandparents. The non-famous Anne Boleyn married Henry Heydon, and had Bridget Heydon who appears in my line of grandparent’s.

  • Have you explored the Knolly (Anne)/Boleyn (Mary) connection to Thomas West (3rd Baron of Del La Warr) governor of Virginia (1610-1611) and for whom Delaware is named. The West family (John West) West’s 3,000-acre land grant on the York River became the location of the present town of West Point, Virginia. I am related to West, Boleyn, Knolly, Argyle (maternal) Rolfe (maternal and paternal) and to Pocahontas (paternal) These individuals also include members of the founding of America. My mother research is absolutely fascinating in this regard. She has connected through our family tree, the European royal family to America.

  • Is the Family Boyle, mentioned in the pedigree of QE1 the same pedigree as the following very reputated scientist? Robert Boyle (25 January 1627 – 31 December 1691) was an Anglo-Irish natural philosopher, chemist, physicist, and inventor. Boyle is largely regarded today as the first modern chemist, and therefore one of the founders of modern chemistry, and one of the pioneers of modern experimental scientific method. He is best known for Boyle’s law, which describes the inversely proportional relationship between the absolute pressure and volume of a gas, if the temperature is kept constant within a closed system. Among his works, The Sceptical Chemist is seen as a cornerstone book in the field of chemistry. He was a devout and pious Anglican and is noted for his writings in theology. I use his law P’xV’xT’ = P”xV”xT” on weekly basis.

  • Just found out that my 10th great grandmother is Anne Knolly Knowles. Daughter of Catherine Carey & Francis Knowles. Through my Paternal grand mother Martha Fern Poe Luttman and then traced back farther through the surname Swann then found out about this. We are all from the U.S.A. Im also a Rh- I wonder if it has anything to do with this lol

  • By now the Boleyn genes would be fairly diluted. Is there a matrilineal line that would carry matrilineal DNA, mtDNA, from Mary to the present day? It is always good to see the Boleyns remembered and triumphing because Henry did his best to destroy them. Some of my in-laws were named Noel, pronounced like ‘knoll’ and said to be English, not French as the name suggests.

  • I am a descendant of Mary’s thru Henry. Henry’s son Robert to Roberts son Henry, to his daughter lady Martha Carey to her son Robert Middleton, to his son Thomas Middleton to his son Hatton Middleton, to his daughter Martha Middleton, to her son William Norris, to his son William burrel Norris, to his son William but well Norris, to his daughter Eliza Ann Norris, to her son George Washington norden, to his daughter Armenia E. Elkins, to her son Vester Doggett, to his daughter Dorothy Doggett, to my grandmother Minnie Louise Crawford, to her daughter my mother Sheila La Juan Swiger, to me Robert E. Kirkpatrick,III

  • My family tree is rather interesting as well. We or rather a genealogist we back to the king of Sweden 735 AD .. skipping to Willie the conqueror, Henry II and fast forward to the dukes and earls of Bedford. Not sure why but before it was America I believe in 1635 the third son of the 3rd earl of Bedford came to the Americas

  • Ohhhhhh that was FASCINATING!! I find it apt that Prince Harry looks so much like KING Harry VIII. I knoooooow, no relation there, not really, but I still think it’s funny that a current English redhead prince is named Harry. And married an olive skinned dark haired beauty with beautiful black eyes no less!!

  • Thomas carey and margaret smith doesnt have daughter name elizabeth carey. No records in Wikipedia. 😅 better wikipedia edit the record or else, how can we know thomas carey have daughter name elizabeth carey…. So i bet, the late princess diana spencer are not the descendant of mary boleyn. Correct me if im wrong

  • I AM a verified direct descendant of King Henry VIII and Mary Boleyn. Buckingham palace has acknowledged that King Henry VIII & Mary Boleyn’s children, Catherine Carey & Henry Carey ARE indeed King Henry’s. He is on record via the vicar, John Hale stating as such. In my ancestry, medical records, birth records etc, all of my relatives go back to King Henry & Mary Boleyn. Their son Henry Carey is also my grandfather. He then had a son who had a son who had a son. My family line is listed going waaaay back through King Henry VII who won the War of Roses and so on.

  • Can they DNA ancestor of Catherine of aragons great grandchildren? Where there any?? If her 1st 2 children weren’t Henry’s, why would she name her son Henry? It doesn’t make sense even after everyone “knew” she was the lover of the king. I think we just want to be like it’s a coincidence; but seriously it smells more like yea he was the father of those children.🤔

  • Very, very distant relatives: Mary Boleyn 1504-1534 wife of 14th great-grandfather Sir Knight William Carey Esq 1495-1528 Husband of Mary Boleyn Catherine Carey 1524-1568 Daughter of Sir Knight William Carey Esq Lettice Knollys 1543-1634 Daughter of Catherine Carey Penelope Lady Rich, Duchess of Devonshire 1563-1607 Daughter of Lettice Knollys Ruth Devonshire 1625-1694 Daughter of Penelope Lady Rich, Duchess of Devonshire Gideon Tilghman 1652-1720 Son of Ruth Devonshire Gideon Tilghman 1682-1770 Son of Gideon Tilghman John Tillman 1705-1809 Son of Gideon Tilghman Mary Catherine Tillman 1744-1833 Daughter of John Tillman Catharine Catherine Katie Katy Loy 1771-1856 Daughter of Mary Catherine Tillman Jacob Albright 1753-1822 Son of Catharine Catherine Katie Katy Loy Lewis Alexander ALBRIGHT 1846-1908

  • Mary was my 14th Great Grandmother Mary Boleyn 1504-1534 wife of 14th great-grandfather Sir Knight William Carey Esq 1495-1528 Husband of Mary Boleyn Catherine Carey 1524-1568 Daughter of Sir Knight William Carey Esq Lettice Knollys 1543-1634 Daughter of Catherine Carey Penelope Lady Rich, Duchess of Devonshire 1563-1607 Daughter of Lettice Knollys Ruth Devonshire 1625-1694 Daughter of Penelope Lady Rich, Duchess of Devonshire Gideon Tilghman 1652-1720 Son of Ruth Devonshire Gideon Tilghman 1682-1770 Son of Gideon Tilghman John Tillman 1705-1809 Son of Gideon Tilghman Mary Catherine Tillman 1744-1833 Daughter of John Tillman Catharine Catherine Katie Katy Loy 1771-1856 Daughter of Mary Catherine Tillman Jacob Albright 1753-1822 Son of Catharine Catherine Katie Katy Loy Lewis Alexander ALBRIGHT 1846-1908 Alexander my 3rd great grandfather

Divorce Readiness Calculator

How emotionally prepared are you for a divorce?
Divorce is an emotional journey. Assess your readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Tip of the day!

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy